The Crucial Role of GIM in Geologic Modelling

Good geoscientific information management (GIM) is a key factor in a highly profitable and optimised mines because it provides a solid foundation for accurate resource and geologic models.

A well supported resource model based on reliable data underpins all assumptions for the way the deposit will be mined.

Data gathered throughout the mine’s lifespan feeds the resource and geologic models and must be managed to ensure inputs are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

Accurate modelling that supports mine planning is essential because it means the expected grade of ore comes out of the ground at the right cost. The plan allows the team mining the resource to make the right decisions about how to get the best grade of ore possible.

All of the assumptions that are made in the plan need to be built on data that is collected, analysed and stored correctly.

Sustained low commodity prices mean that the goal is currently not simply to get out as much ore as possible at any cost, but to make the mine as profitable as possible by working within constraints.

If a sub-optimal mine plan based on inaccurate data is used to carry out operations, no amount of cost cutting or productivity boosting activities will be able to make up for it.

Quality data for accurate modelling

Though they are not the only roles affected, geologists are especially impacted by data quality. Catching errors early has direct impact on their jobs because it decreases the amount rework they need to do and increases the confidence in the resource model.

Better data for modelling means less guesswork and that flows through to knowing what material is being mined and improving the quality of ore being produced and processed.

The resource model is based on observations and measurements such as location, surveys, assays, logging and so on, which are managed by a geoscientific information management solution.

When there’s improvement in geoscientific data, it impacts how the project or mine performs overall. If the founding observations and measurements of the model are wrong, the effects will flow on into mine planning, affecting profitability. While there are many other factors that affect mine planning, poorly supported models can have significant impact.

GIM software provides a trusted repository where data can be stored to avoid duplication of datasets and to allow all functions in a project to get access to it.

The GIM Suite provides across the board improvements in key areas giving the best possible data to geologists to improve mining operations.

GIM Suite provides the framework for good data management. It:

• Provides a single source of the truth so everyone knows where data is stored
• Gives access to the data to everyone that needs it when they need it
• Improves the efficiencies of high volume data capture and management
• Ensures validation of data giving confidence that it is correct
• Applies security so data cannot be tampered with
• Establishes consistent processes that allow people to be trained quickly and minimise the loss of IP with staff turnover

If you’d like more information on how the GIM Suite helps your team work with quality data from the same single source, give us a call or drop us an email.